The volunteer team of the LIFE Initiative helps in social emergencies with problems with the asylum procedure and BAMF. We advise people with low incomes online, individually and free of charge in the following areas:
- Problems with the asylum procedures
- Communication with the BAMF or the immigration authorities
- Applying for social benefits, permission to work or change of place of residence
- Finding lawyers (e.g. to appeal against a rejected asylum application or in case of threatened deportation)
We reply within 48 hours.
Voicemessage +49 30 233 213 00
E-Mail info@life-initiative.org
Also check our step-by-step guides: They answer many questions about asylum procedures and bureaucracy in Germany. Each question is explained in few steps as simply as possible.
Where can I apply for asylum in Germany?
You can apply for asylum at a reception center of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). You can also declare your asylum application at any police station, which will forward you. For the duration of your asylum procedure, you may be transferred to another city. When you register, you will receive an “Aufenthaltsgestattung” (residence permit) certifying that you are legally in Germany. In many cases, it is advisable to check whether the BAMF will try to deport you to another European country (Dublin procedure) before you apply for asylum. Here you can find information on how to prepare for your asylum interview. We will also be happy to advise you on this.
How long will my asylum procedure take?
The average duration of an asylum procedure until a decision is made by the BAMF is about eight months. In cases where legal action was taken, it takes an average of 22 months until the court has made a decision. You have the possibility to ask the BAMF in writing about the interim status of your asylum procedure. You find more information on this here.
Can I participate in a German course during my asylum procedure?
For people from certain countries of origin, it is possible to attend an integration course during the asylum procedure. To do this, you or your language school must submit an application to the BAMF. There are also free German courses in many places that are open to everyone. Here you find more information on how you can find an integration or language course. We may be able to help you find a language school.
Am I allowed to work during my asylum procedure in Germany?
People in the asylum procedure are usually allowed to work after three months with the permission of the immigration office. The employer you want to work for must fill out a form for this. Asylum seekers from so-called “safe countries of origin” and people living in a “Erstaufnahmeeinrichtung” are mostly not allowed to work during their asylum process. Here you find more information on work permits. We will be happy to check your case and help you get a permit.
What can I do if my asylum application has been rejected?
If you do not agree with the outcome of your asylum procedure, you can take legal action against the decision within certain deadlines. Check the deadline in your official letter (Bescheid), mostly you only have 7 or 14 days time to appeal. To take legal action, you should find a lawyer who can advise you on what you can do against the threat of deportation. Here you find information on how you can search a lawyer. We can also help you to find a lawyer.
Who is our help for?
Our free help is for refugees, migrants or Germans with a low income or no income.
How do we help?
We always help online. Send us your problem via WhatsApp or email. We will reply within 48 hours. We will discuss your situation in a short phone call and check whether we can help.
We will advise you on bureaucratic problems and help you find a solution. If necessary, we will help you to write a letter to the authorities. The volunteers of our association work without pay in their free time. We cannot replace a law firm, but we can help you find a lawyer if necessary.
In which language will the advice be provided?
We can speak to you in German or English at any time. After consultation, we may be able to advise you in Arabic, Turkish, French, Italian, Russian and Spanish. If you do not speak any of these languages, you will need to find someone to translate for you.
With which questions can the LIFE Initiative not help?
We cannot help in the following situations:
- Being outside Germany: We can only support people who are staying in Germany. We do not provide advice on entering Germany.
- Income: Our help is aimed at people who have little or no income and assets.
- Problems: We help with problems with public offices and authorities. We cannot help with finding accommodation and work or with health problems.
What happens to my data?
The LIFE Initiative is 100% independent and does not pass on any data to government agencies. All information is treated confidentially. We process personal data that you send us in accordance with our data privacy policy.